Vehicle washing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for washing a stationary vehicle. A mobile carriage travels along a longitudinal path over the vehicle. The carriage supports opposing vehicle washing brushes rotatable about laterally movable vertical axes to wash the vertical surfaces of the vehicle, an overhead brush rotatable about a horizontal axis and movable in a vertical direction to wash the upper surfaces of the vehicle, and horizontally mounted opposed rotatable brushes for washing the windows and upper vertical surfaces of the vehicle. The vertically mounted brushes are suspended from the carriage by a linkage which has a natural pendular position urging the brushes into scrubbing contact with the vehicle. The overhead brush linkage includes a novel structure wherein counterbalancing weights are located wholly within the lateral limits of the carriage, and wherein the motor driving the overhead brush is mounted so as to eliminate the motor torque reaction when the direction of brush rotation is reversed. A control system comprising sensing elements responsive to the physical dimensions of the vehicle automatically programs the functions of the washing apparatus. A unique feature of the control system provides for stopping rearward movement of the carriage when the rear of the vehicle has been reached by the brushes, regardless of the length of the vehicle. A second unique feature of the control system prevents the carriage from stopping as it reaches the rear of the vehicle until the overhead brush cleans the rear window or upper rear vertical surface of station wagons or vans.

llnited Mates Patent [191 Thompson Mar. 112, 1.974

[ VEHICLE WASlllllN'G APPARATUS [75] Inventor: William E. Thompson, Mt.

Prospect, 111.

[73] Assignee: Trans-Clean, llnc., Glenview, Calif.

[22] Filed: Mar. 20, 1972 [21] App]. No.: 236,496

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 189,682, Oct. 15,

[52] US. Cl. 15/211 E, 15/DIG. 2 [51] Int. Cl. B60s 3/06 [58] Field of Search 15/DIG. 2, 21 D, 21 B, 15/53, 97 R, 302

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,300,803 l/1967 Seakan 15/21 E 3,501,794 3/1970 Solomon.. 15/21 D 3,624,851 12/1971 Barber 15/21 D 7/1969 Solomon 15/21 D Primary ExaminerEdward L. Roberts Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Charles E. Quarton The overhead brush linkage includes a novel structure wherein counterbalancing weights are located wholly within the lateral limits of the carriage, and wherein' the motor driving the overhead brush is mounted so as to eliminate the motor torque reaction when the direction of brush rotation is reversed. A control system comprising sensing elements responsive to the physical dimensions of the vehicle automatically programs the functions of the washing apparatus. A unique feature of the control system provides for stopping rearward movement of the carriage when the rear of the vehicle has been reached by the brushes, regardless of the length of the vehicle. A second unique feature of the control system prevents the carriage from stopping as it reaches the rear of the vehicle until the overhead brush cleans the rear window or upper rear vertical surface of station wagons or vans.

6 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PMENIEDMAR 1 2x174 sum "03 w m PAIENIEU MAR 1 2 m4 SHEET 0% HF 10 PATENTEDMAR I 2IE174 3HEET '08 0F 10 PATENTED PM I 2 i974 sum '08 0F 10 PATENTEH MAR I 21974 sum .09 or 10 k u Exam A RUYRNWQ ll 79.4 VE L WINDOW WINDOW WINDOWS PM w mm NNN Q0 TOP VEHICLE WASHING APPATUS This application is a continuation-in-part application of copending application Ser. No. 189,682 filed Oct. 15, 1971 by William H. Thompson.

This invention relates to apparatus for automatically washing a stationary vehicle. In particular, the invention comprises a carriage supporting rotary washing means which are displaceable relative to the vertical and upper surfaces of a vehicle, whereby the carriage reciprocally travels longitudinally along the vehicle to be washed. However, as will be described, certain novel features of the present invention may also be applied to vehicle washing devices wherein the vehicle moves through a stationary washing apparatus.

Present vehicle washing installations are basically of two types. In one such structure, a vehicle to be washed is moved on a conveyorized path through a stationary installation comprising one or more bays or stations where saponated water is applied, brushes move into contact-with the car, rinse water and wax is applied, and an optional drying facility is provided. Many such installations, known as conveyorized washing units, are presently in use. However, it has been discovered that by maintaining the vehicle stationary while passing a washing apparatus along the vehicle, an efficient and economical vehicle washing facility can be installed in a smaller space than occupied by a conveyorized unit. These latter structures, known as rollover units, enable the installation of a vehicle washing apparatus in a single service bay commonly found in the typical service station, enabling the proprietors of the service station to provide a satisfactory car wash service to their patrons within the physical limits of existing facilities. Examples of such rollover units are described in Seakan U.S. Pat. No. 3,428,983 and Cirino et al US. Pat. No. 3,238,551.

The present invention provides an improved rollover vehicle washing unit which includes many novel features not found on existing structures, and which features provide a more efficient, economical, automatic vehicle washing apparatus than presently known. As will be described, certain of the novel features of the present invention may be applied to vehicle washing units of the conveyorized type; however, for convenience of description, these features are illustrated in the embodiment of a rollover type vehicle washing apparatus.

Known vehicle washing units comprise rotary brush elements mounted on horizontally displaceable support mechanisms, including parallelogram linkage means pivotally supporting the brush elements, as disclosed for example, in Fuhring US. Pat. No. 3,304,565. In these devices an extraneous force must be applied to maintain the vertically mounted brushes in scrubbing contact with the vehicle as the washing apparatus passes over the vehicle. Further, known vertical brush linkage systems in vehicle washing devices frequently employ an angularly mounted counterweight to vary the natural brush pressure against the vehicle surfaces. These counterweights are subject to adjustment, and when adjusted, result in changing the natural pendular position of the brush and linkage assembly, thereby varying the pressure exerted against the vehicle surface by the brush. Also, a shock absorber is sometimes utilized in the vertical brush support linkage to dampen quick movement of the counterbalanced assembly as the rollover unit moves and its brushes come into contact with the vehicle.

The overhead, horizontally disposed rotary brush assembly in many present automatic vehicle washing units includes a reversible brush drive motor located on the brush support linkage such that an undesirable reaction torque is produced tending to lift the brush vertically when the motor is reversed. This force opposes the pressure elements used to maintain the overhead brush in contact with the upper surfaces of the vehicle, and may cause permanent damage to these elements. Also, counterweights for balancing the weight of overhead brushes in present units are placed outside the lateral extent of the pivotal arms supporting the brush, and are sometimes located beyond the lateral extent of the rollover unit itself. Such construction sacrifices economy of space in that the counterweight is located adjacent the mechanical structures supporting the remaining brushes, or their location requires additional lateral space in which to install the unit.

Many currently available vehicle washing units also .provide opposed horizontally mounted brushes for washing the vertical surfaces of the vehicle above the window sill and below the roof line of the vehicle. These brushes are usually mounted for movement with .the side or vertical brushes of the unit, which does not provide for any degree of independent movement. Further, where a horizontally mounted window brush is used, only one brush is furnished for each side, and this brush usually rotates in only one direction. This construction fails to provide for efficient washing of the entire vertical surface of the vehicle, especially the shelf portion of the vehicle which extends horizontally beneath the window of late model automobiles. Further, a single brush is incapable of efficiently cleaning taller vehicles such as vans, and also smaller cars. In addition, a horizontal mounted window brush which is unable to operate in a reverse rotative direction may cause damage to a protruding radio antenna, mirror or the like.

The control systems found on certain known automatic rollover vehicle washing units consist of sensing elements which are responsive to the position of the brushes relative to the surface of the vehicle. These sensing elements, when actuated by a predetermined brush movement, signal to a master control device which then changes position to sequence the next operation of the washing apparatus. However, in present vehicle washing devices the control systems do not take into account the varying lengths of vehicles to be washed, and do not provide means for sensing the length of a vehicle and stopping rearward movement of the apparatus without overriding the vehicle. Such units provide a mobile carriage which continues movement along the vehicle until a predetermined point is reached relative to the floor, irrespective of the length of the vehicle. If a compact or short vehicle is in the washing bay, water and soap is wasted by being sprayed over the floor of the washing facility as the carriage moves past the rear of the vehicle.

In addition, present automatic vehicle washing units provide means for raising the overhead, horizontally disposed brush when the rear of the vehicle has been reached. When these units are utilized to clean station wagons or vans with vertical surfaces reaching to the roof of the vehicle, the horizontally mounted upper brush is raised before the rear window or upper rear surface of the wagon or van can be washed by the overhead brush. As aresult, a complete cleaning .ofthe rear surface of vans and station wagons is beyond the capability of present day vehicle washing devices.

The positioning of brush elements in certain present vehicle washing devices is accomplished by air pressure components which are reliable when furnished with clean, well lubricated air, but normally fail when provided with the quality of air provided in an average service station. I have discovered that hydraulic cylinders can be controlled more smoothly and can provide a more efficiently controlled washing action than air op-- erated components.

It is a primary object of the present invention to alleviate the foregoing problems in known automatic vehicle washing apparatus by providing a vehicle washing unit which includes vertically disposed side brushes for washing the vertical surfaces of the vehicle, which brushes are positioned and structured to be loaded by their own gravity to bear against the car solely due to the weight of the brush and its support assembly. It is a further object of an embodiment of the present invention to provide a slidable balance weight acting on the center line of a side brush support arm in a vehicle washing apparatus whereby brush pressure against the vehicle surfaces may be varied without altering the natural pendular position of the arm and brush assembly, thus eliminating the need for a shock absorber to dampen the motion of the side brush assembly.

An additionaly object of the present invention is to provide an automatic vehicle washing unit comprising a support linkage system for an overhead reversible rotary brush whereby a motor for rotating the brush is so located to eliminate the motor torque reaction force tending to raise the brush and its linkage when the brush direction is reversed. Further, counterweight for balancing the weight of the overhead brush are disposed within the lateral limits of the washing apparatus and within the arms supporting the overhead brush. This reduces the lateral space required to install and operate the auto washing unit, and prevents the interference of the counterweights with the operation of the remaining mechanical components of the unit.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a vehicle washing apparatus including independently mounted, horizontally disposed, rotatable brushes for cleaning the windows in vehicles without damaging protruding elements such as radio aerials or side mounted mirrors. In one embodiment of my invention, a horizontal brush unit is provided having a plurality of rotating brush elements for efficiently cleaning the upper vertical side surfaces of taller vehicles such as vans, small trucks and buses.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic vehicle washing apparatus for traveling along a stationary vehicle to be washed which includes a control system which prevents the cessation of rearward travel of the apparatus over a station wagon or van type vehicle until the overhead brush element has lowered to wash the rear window or upper vertical surfaces of the rear of such station wagon or van.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of the type described whereby the entire operation and sequencing of the automatic features of the washing unit are controlled by sensing mechanisms responsive to the position of the brushes and their respective support arms in relation to the surface of the vehicle. Further, the present invention provides means for stopping rearward travel of the travel washing apparatus when the rear of the vehicle has been reached by the vertically mounted side brushes of the apparatus, irrespective of the length of the vehicle being washed.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a self-contained control system for a vehicle washing apparatus which eliminates the need for external hydraulic power sources and external electrical control panels. Also, the present apparatus comprises prelubricated and sealed bearings, which provides a lower level of maintenance and operating demands.

The vehicle washing apparatus as herein described provides ease of maintenance and operation since all moving parts operate through bearing means which are provided with adequate lubrication facilities. The brush assemblies may be easily removed and replaced when worn. All other parts which may in time show the effects of wear over a prolonged usage may be replaced simply and effortlessly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hydraulic control system for operating the vehicle washing apparatus and thereby effecting the positioning and rotation of the brushes in the apparatus and the travel of vehicle washing apparatus along a vehicle to be washed.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrical control system having a safety circuit for delaying initiation ofa wash cycle until a given time after the vehicle to be washed is properly positioned in the vehicle washing apparatus and for resetting the vehicle washing apparatus if a vehicle being washed drives away after a wash cycle is initiated.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon the reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of this invention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of one form of the vehicle washing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the unit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective assembly view of a portion of one form of the vehicle washing apparatus of the present invention, illustrating the location of several sensing devices for controlling the operation of the apparatus;

FIGS. 5 through 8 are detail views of the various sensing devices controlling the operation of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial front elevation view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein two counter-rotating horizontally mounted brush elements are provided on either side of the vehicle for cleaning the upper vehicle sides of tall vehicles;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the horizontally mounted brush elements illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a modified form of the support linkage for the vertical side brushes of the present invention, providing a movable counterweight to vary the pressure of the brush bearing against a vehicle being washed;

FIG. 12 is a detail view of a hollow support member of the present invention comprising a hydraulic fluid reservoir disposed therein;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the support member of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an electrical diagram of the control circuits of the present invention;

FIG. is a chart showing the sequence of operations in a complete wash cycle involving a forward and rearward pass of the washing apparatus over the vehicle to be washed;

FIG. 16 is a schematic, hydraulic diagram of a hydraulic control circuit for'practicing the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic, hydraulic diagram of a modified branch of the hydraulic control circuit of FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 is a modified form of the electrical control circuit of FIG. 14.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS-1, 2 and 3, there is shown a traveling carriage or gantry structure 20 designed to move over parallel tracks 22 which are located lengthwise along the floor of a washing facility, such as the service bay of a typical gasoline station. Wheels 24 are rotatably affixed to carriage 20 by means of axles 26 and support blocks 27 to permit travel of the carriage along tracks 22. As seen in FIG. 2, wheels 24 are disposed at the four corner locations of the carriage to provide stability to the structure.

Two of the axles 26 are provided with sprocket wheels 28 which are aligned with sprocket wheels 30 driven by two hydraulically operated reversible motor means 32 mounted on the frame of carriage 20. Chains 34 drivingly connected each of the two sets of sprocket wheels 28, 30 and motor means 32. It is readily apparent that actuation of both motor means 32 will cause the carriage to move either forward or rearward along tracks 22.

The carriage 20 comprises generally an inverted U- shaped frame designed to be disposed adjacent and above a stationary centrally disposed vehicle 36 to be washed. Vehicle 36 is depicted in cutaway phantom view in FIG. l as a sedan-(right side) and a station wagon (left side) since an important feature of the present invention is the unique manner in which the washing unit insures that the rear windows of station wagons and vans are properly cleaned. When the vehicle is located in the washing facility the carriage 20 is initially disposed forward of the front end of the vehicle. The carriage 20 comprises opposed vertical column members 38 and 40, and an overhead connecting member 42. Vertical beam members 44 and 46 (FIGS. 1, 4) are provided inward of column members 38 and 40, and are connected at the bottom thereof by members 48, 50. The top of members 44 and 46 are rigidly affixed to horizontal cross beam 52. As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, further rigidity and strength for carriage 20 is provided by rearwardly extending beam members 54, 56, 58 and 60, and transverse connecting beam members 62, 64. Rearwardly disposed vertical beam members 66, 68 (FIG. 3) extend downward from the joint formed by members 60 and 64, and 54 and 62 respectively, and are supported by rearward extending base support members 70, 72 respectively (FIG. 2). An insert frame unit 74 (FIG. 4) is provided adjacent vertical members 66 and 68, one of which frame units 74 is used to support a control panel (not shown) for the washing apparatus The carriage 20 provides the mounting and supporting structure for the various brush and washing means of the vehicle washing unit of my invention. In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, opposed vertically muunted rotatable side brushes 76, 78 are mounted to carriage 20 by means of a parallelogram linkage for pivotal movement in two directions. To this end, each side brush is mounted to carriage 20 by a gimbled support structure comprising an upper pivotal bracket 80 (FIG. 4) which is pivotally mounted between beam members 54, 56 and 58, 60, by means of pin members 82 welded or otherwise suitably affixed to brackets 80. Each brush 76, 78 is supported from bracket 80 by means of two sets of parallel linkage arms 84, 86 which are mounted on pivot pins 87 for pivotal movement relative to bracket 80 in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the carriage 20. The lower portions of linkage arms 84, 86 are pivotally attached to a horizontal link arm 88 (FIG. I) which has an extending portion 98 supporting vertical side brush shaft 92. Side brushes 76, 78 are attached for rotation with shafts 92, and hydraulically operated, reversible motors 94 are supported from extending portions 90 of each link arm 88 to provide rotative motion to shafts 92 and side brushes 76, 78.- Side brushes 76 and 78 are preferably of the polyethylene bristle type, and have an overall diameter of approximately 36 inches when rotating and extended by centrifugal force. As linkage arms 84, 86 pivot in a direction transverse to the direction of carriage travel, the parallelogram configuration maintains shaft 92 in a vertical disposition, remaining parallel to itself in all positions.

Double-acting hydraulically powered actuator means 96, 98 are located between linkage arms 84 and beam members 54, 60 to provide the means for moving side brushes 76 and 78 about pivot pins 87 in a direction towards and away from the vehicle 36. Actuators 96, 98 are automatically controlled by a hydraulic fluid system responsive to control signals responsive to the position of the brushes relative to the vehicle, in addition to signals indicating the initiation and cessation of the wash cycle, as will be explained.

A novel feature of the present invention resides in the manner in which brushes 76, 78 are supported from brackets 80. The center of gravity of the structure comprising brushes 76 and 78, and their attendant linkage arms 84, 86 and 88, is so located that the force of gravity holds the brushes in their natural pendular position against the side surfaces of vehicle 36. Also, the pivot points 87 are so positioned transversely that each brush 76, 78 will naturally abut even the smallest vehicle. This enables side brushes 76, 78 to scrub the verticle surfaces of the vehicle without the application of extra pressure from outside sources.

The natural pendular position of brushes 76, 78 and the manner in which they are pivoted from carriage 20 combine to enable brushes 76, 78 to feel the vehicle being washed, and to change position relative to the surfaces of the vehicle, and irrespective of the position of the carriage. Brushes 76, 78 move in or out laterally about pivot pins 87 in response to the position of the brushes against the side of the vehicle. Brushes 76, 78 are also able to move in a forward-rearward direction about pivot pins 82 in response to contact with the front or rear of the vehicle. As will be described, the motion of brushes 76, 78 about pivot pins 87 and about pivot pins 82 initiates signals which are sent to the control system for the vehicle washing apparatus to program segments of the washing cycle of the apparatus.

An additional embodiment of the linkage structure supporting side brushes 76, 78 is shown in FIG. 11, wherein like parts previously described are identifed with the same numerals. Link arm 84, in the side brush parallelogram supporting linkage comprising members 80, 86, 90 and 84 in FIG. 1, is replaced with link arm 100 which includes a portion 102 extending linearly beyond pivot pin 87. A mass 104 is slidably affixed to extending portion 102 of link arm 100 and held in position by means of set screw 106, or other suitable means. By loosening set screw 106, mass 104 may be positioned linearly along portion 102 of link arm 100, for example to the position shown as 105 in FIG. 11, to vary the force of the couple movement about pivot pin 87. As mass 104 moves outwardly away from pin 87, the force required to move the linkage system, including brush 78, to its natural pendular position becomes greater. However, the center of gravity of the system is moved in a radial direction on a line extending through the pivot point 87 of the system as shown in FIG. 11 where the center of gravity has moved from a first position 101 to a second position 103 as mass 104 is moved to position 105. This construction prevents shifting the natural pendular position of brush 78 while at the same time permitting the operator to vary the force with which brush 78 bears against the vehicle being washed. The center of gravity may similarly be linearly shifted by changing thequantity of mass 104.

Mass 104 also acts as a balance weight for the parallelogram linkage support for brushes 76, 78 when the brushes tend to rotate forwardly or rearwardly about pivot pins 82 due to the acceleration force produced when the carriage abruptly starts or stops. In prior vehicle washing units, shock absorbers of various types have been employed to dampen this tendency of the brushes to move longitudinally, since such movement may prematurely activate one or more of the sensing switches which are responsive to pivotal movement of brushes 76, .78 about pivot pins 82. The structure disclosed in FIG. 11 eliminates the need for such shock absorbers by providing a means to balance the linkage system about pivot pin 82 as well as pivot pin 87. It is also apparent that movable mass 104 may be similarly employed in a structure where a vehicle washing brush is pivotally supported by a single extending arm instead of the parallelogram linkage illustrated in FIG. 11.

For scrubbing the upper, horizontal surfaces of the vehicle, as well as the windshield and rear window, an overhead, horizontally mounted reversibly rotating brush 106 is pivotally supported by a parallelogram structure to carriage 20. As best seen in FIG. 3, overhead brush 106 comprises a central portion of a specified diameter, and two end portions 107 of a larger diameter to reach portions of the vehicle which extend downward in a slanted aspect from the roof.

Brush 106 comprises a central shaft 108 to which the brush bristles are suitably attached. The ends of shaft 108 are mounted for rotation on a pair of vertically disposed flanges 110 disposed at either end of brush 106 and which are affixed to and depend from a pair of vertically disposed link arms 1 12. Mounted to a flange 110 and shaft 108 is a reversible hydraulic motor 11 1 which provides rotative motion to brush 106. Link arms 112 each comprise a lower portion 114 which is journaled by means of pillow block 116 and pin 118 (FIG. 2) to substantially hori-zontally extending link arms 120. An upper portion 122 of each link arm 112 includes a flange portion 124 to which second hori-zontally extending link arms 126 are journaled by means of pins 125, said link arms 126 being parallel to link arms 120.

Arms are rigidly affixed to a shaft 121, which is rotatably supported by column members 119 of carriage 20 (FIGS. 1, 4) whereby pivot pins 130 attached to shaft 121 extend through pillow blocks 123, the latter being rigidly attached to column members 119 (FIG. 2). Link arms 126 are pivotally attached to horizonal beam member 42 by means of pins 128. As best seen in FIG. 2, arms 112, 120 and 126 form a parallelogram support linkage for brush 106 enabling the overhead brush to move in a vertical direction relative to carriage 20.

Power operated means including hydraulic cylinder 132 and piston rod 134 are provided to move horizontally mounted brush 106 into and out of contact with the upper surfaces of the vehicle being washed. The upper portion of cylinder 132 is fastened to beam member 58 by means of pivot pin 136 and flange 138 (FIG. 2). One end of piston rod 134 is pivotally affixed by means of pin 140 to an arm member 135 which is rigidily fixed to shaft 121. It will be appreciated that brush 106 may be moved in a vertical direction by applying fluid pressure to one side or the other of the piston in cylinder 132, and as arm member 135 moves in a pivotal mode, link arms 120 rotate to the same angular degree as shaft 121.

A novel counterbalance system is provided by my invention to offset the weight of brush 106 and its related drive and linkage means during movement of the overhead brush into and out of engagement with vehicle 36. This unique counterbalance system is disposed completely between the linkage arms 120 supporting brush 106, thereby eliminating the overall width requirements for the washing installation compared to similar units where the overhead brush counterbalance weights extend beyond the lateral limits of the unit. Also, the present structure provides a unique counterbalance system for an overhead brush which is located on the same side of the pivot point as the brush itself. Therefore, no additional space is required to house the counterbalance means, and there is less chance of counterbalancing mass interfering with other working parts of the apparatus.

The aforesaid counterbalancing system for the overhead brush comprises sprocket wheels 142 rigidly attached to both ends of shaft 121, and link chains 144 extending part way around the circumference of, and in engagement with the teeth of, sprocket wheels 142. One end of each chain 144 is fastened to its respective sprocket wheel near the circumference thereof. The other ends of chains 144 extend part way around and are attached near the circumference of sprocket wheels 146, which-in turn are rigidly affixed to shaft 148 (FIG. 2). Shaft 148 is rotatably mounted to column member 119 by means of pins 150 extending through pillow blocks 152, the latter being bolted or otherwise secured to column 119. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of arms 154 extend radially outward from shaft 148 and are attached to a mass 156. Mass 156 comprises a plurality of metal plates removably bolted together to permit the removal or addition of mass when the size of brush 106 is changed. The gravity force produced as a result of the length of arms 154 and the total weight of the mass 156 and its supporting structure is designed to be substantially equal to the gravity force produced by the product of the combined weights of brush 106, its attendant drive means and linkage system, and the distance of the center of mass of these components from the center of shaft 121. As brush 106 moves vertically and linkage arms 121) pivot about pins 130 under the control of hydraulic cylinder 132, sprocket wheels 142 cause chains 144 to rotate sprocket wheels 146 and shaft 148 in the opposite rotative direction as shaft 121. This in turn causes mass 156 to move counterrotatively t the vertical movement of brush 106 and thereby balance the movement of the mass of the brush supporting structure through chains 144 and sprocket wheels 142 and 146. Mass 156 is so distributed that the entire unit which is necessary for proper balancing of brush 106 fits between link arms 120.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 41, shafts 121 and 148 may be disposed in a spaced-apart, parallel relationship, or they may be located coaxial to one another. In such construction, the outer shaft 14-8 will be shorter than inner shaft 121, and a gear unit, such as an idler gear or one-to-one planetary gear arrangement may be used to operably connect the two shafts for counterrotation.

The overhead rotary brush linkage system is designed to prevent the brush 186 from rising under the influen'ce of the reaction torque produced when the direction of brush rotation is reversed and the dynamic balance of the overhead brush linkage system is changed. In present auto washing units using similarly mounted overhead brush support linkage means, the drive means for the brush is usually located on one of the substantially horizontal extending arms of the linkage, corresponding to arms 120 and 126 of the present structure. It has been found that when the drive means is reversed, a reverse torque reaction is produced in the arms, which moves the arms upward and raises brush 106. This is undesirable, since when the brush direction is reversed, it usually occurs during the portion of the wash cycle where the brush 106 is to begin its movement forward across and in contact with the rear trunk of the car. To prevent thereverse torque reaction from producing this result, I have discovered that by locating the drive means 11 1 for the rotary horizontal brush 106 on the vertical arm 112 of the parallelogram linkage system supporting the overhead brush, the reaction torque produced upon reversal of the drive means is distributed equally through pins 118 and 125 and linearly along arms 120 and 126 to pins 128 and 130. With the force distributed along arms 120 and 126, no movement is produced which tends to move these arms, and brush 106, upward.

Side brushes 76, 78 are so disposed that, when rotated, they extend vertically from approximately 8 inches above the floor of the washing installation to approximately 38 inches above the floor. The upper extent of the side brushes is designed to correspond with the usual above-ground height of the sill portion beneath the side windows of most automobiles. It is not practical to have the side brushes extend to a greater vertical height since the bristles of the brush may tend to wrap around protruding objects such as radio antennae and detach them from the vehicle. To clean the upper vertical surfaces of the vehicle, additional, horizontally mounted opposed window brushes 158 are disposed rearwardly of side brushes 76, 78 and are pivotally supported from carriage by means of window brush arms 160 for movement into and out of engagement with the vehicle to be washed. As best seen in FIGS. 1 through 4, each arm 160 is mounted on a support bracket 162 rigidly affixed to beam 58 (FIG. 4) for pivotal movement about pin 164 in a direction transverse to the direction of longitudinal movement of carriage 21). Shafts 166 supporting the bristle elements of brushes 158 are journaled for rotation about a horizontal axis at the lower ends of arms 160, and are driven by reversible hydraulic motors 168 (FIG. 2).

In the disclosed embodiment, the window brushes 158 are preferably 58 inches in diameter when the bristles are fully extended by centrifugal force, and approximately 5 inches wide. The supporting shafts 166 are located approximately 47 inches from the floor of the vehicle washing installation. As the carriage 20 moves along the vehicle from front to rear, brushes 158 rotate such that the bristles as they contact the vehicle surface are moving in an upwards direction. This prevents the bristles from becoming tangled around the radio aerial of the vehicle, which would cause the aerial to be dislodged or broken off. As the window brush moves along the vehicle, it comes into scrubbing contact with the windows and other vertical surfaces located beneath the roof and above those side surfaces cleaned by side brushes 76, 78.

Many modern automobiles have a short horizontal sill portion located just below the side window line, creating recesses which the upward moving bristles of brushes 158 do not reach during the first rearward pass of carriage 20 over the vehicle. "therefore, during the second, or rear to front, pass of carriage 28 over the vehicle, the direction of rotation of brushes 158 is reversed by reversing the operation of hydraulic motors 168. This causes the bristles of brushes 158 to contact the upper side surfaces of the vehicle in a downward direction during this second pass, whereby the bristles reach into and clean the recesses formed by the horizontal sill. As the carriage 20 moves from rear to front, the bristles of window brushes 158 lean towards the rear of the car as they contact the windows. Upon reaching the radio aerial, they are still leaning backwards, having just passed the intersection of the side or vent windows and the front windshield. By being bent in this manner, the prevented are prevented from looping over the radio aerial, and they pass harmlessly around the aerial without doing any damage thereto.

Hydraulic cylinder and piston means 170 are provided between carriage 20 and arms to provide a source of power for moving window brushes 158 into and out of bearing engagement with the upper vertical surfaces of the vehicle to be washed. As best seen in FIG. 1, the window brushes 158 are so disposed that their natural pendular position brings them into contact with the upper side surfaces of the vehicle.

The present vehicle washing installation also differs from known installations of the type described in that the window brushes 158 are mounted for pivotal movement independent of the movement of the side brushes 76, 78. This enables window brushes 158 to swing inwardly to reach even the smallest automobile. This independent movement also permits all vehicles to be efficiently washed, regardless of the angle of upward slope of the windows to the roof.

Means are also provided to furnish wash and rinse liquid and wax to the surface of the vehicle as the various brushes scrub the vehicle. The liquid, besides supplying the detergent for cleaning the vehicle, also functions as a lubricant which prevents the bristles of the brushes from scratching or otherwise harming the vehicle surfaces. Wash and rinse liquid and wax is supplied to the vehicle through two inverted U-shaped pipes 172, 174 which are fastened to vertical beam members 44 and 46, and to horizontal cross beam 52 of carriage 20 (FIG. 1, 2). Each of these pipes comprises spray nozzles spacially disposed along the length thereof, through which saponated water, rinse water or a waxwater mixture is sprayed on the surfaces of the vehicle as the brushes are brought into contact with the vehicle. A first fluid vessel 176, comprising a 5 gallon plastic tank in the preferred embodiment (FIG. 1), is sup-- ported by carriage and stores detergent for mixing with a supply of tap water, not shown, which is connected by flexible hoses 180 to one of the aforesaid U- shaped pipes by means of a fluid supply manifold 182 (FIG. 1). A second similar fluid vessel 178 for storing wax is supported by carriage 20 for supplying a wax solution to the manifold 182 for mixing with tap water and application to the vehicle through one of the aforesaid U-shaped pipes. Each storage vessel 176, 178 comprises a hose 184, 186 which connects each vessel with manifold 182.

It is apparent that the fluid supply system thus described is self-contained for movement with carriage 20, and only an outside source of tap water at a rate of approximately 30 gallons per vehicle need be supplied to manifold 182 through suitable flexible hosing or the like (not shown). In the disclosed apparatus, manifold 182 functions upon signals from the control means disclosed in FIG. 14 to automatically proportion the amount of saponated liquid supplied to wash arch 172 during movement of carriage 20 rearwardly over the vehicle, and to proportion the amount of rise water in pipe 174 and wax solution in pipe 172 during rear-tofront movement of carriage 20. Vessels 176 and 178 may be filled in an equipment room adjacent the washing facility, and several may be filled ahead of time for use as required.

It is also within the scope of the present invention to provide an alternate embodiment wherein saponated liquid is locally supplied to the vehicle at the point where the brushes contact the vehicle. For this purpose, one of the U-shaped pipes 172, 174 is replaced with a plurality of conduits leading directly from manifold 182 to areas adjacent brushes 76, 78, 106 and 158.

As has been previously described, movement of carriage 20 along vehicle 36, rotation of all brushes, and movement of all brushes into or out of cleaning engagement with vehicle 36 is actuated by hydraulically controlled motors or cylinder-piston power actuators. This contrasts with most known vehicle washing units which utilize air pressure to activate the various power means employed. In my system, a source of fluid pressure for operating these hydraulically powered units is provided by pump unit 188 (FIG. 1) which is driven by motor 190, which in the preferred embodiment is rated at 7 h horsepower. The hydraulic pump-motor unit is mounted on carriage 20 for movement therewith as carriage 20 travels along the vehicle. A suitable hydraulic control system including conduit means operably connects pump 188 with the various hydraulically operated power devices. The hydraulic control system produces a relatively high pressure, approximately 2,000 PSI, for driving carriage 20 and the rotary brush motors 94, 111 and 168, and a relatively lower pressure, approximately 175 PSI, for operating the cylinder which position the various brushes. The hydraulic system uses automatic transmission fluid, Sufiix A, S.A.E.

10 motor oil, or an equivalent, which is readily available at all service stations.

In order to provide an entirely self-contained hydraulic operating system for my invention, I have provided a hydraulic fluid reservoir which is integral with the structure of carriage 20. This is best illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 which show vertical column member 40 of carriage 20 as a hollow, square tubular chamber 192. Ports 194 are provided to permit chamber 192 to communicate, through appropriate conduit means (not shown), with the intake and outlet ports of pump 188. A filler cap member 196 with a removable plug 198 is located near the top of column member 40 to close the upper portion of the fluid reservoir in chamber 192. By removing plug 198, additional hydraulic fluid may be added to the system, if required, as during installation of the vehicle washing unit. It will be appreciated that by locating the reservoir filler out of sight, it is substantially tamper resistant and also in an area where the least amount of moisture will be directed to the fluid in chamber 192. The air that moves in and out of chamber 192 as the oil expands and contracts due to natural heating of the system is drawn in through a filter element 198 located in chamber 192 and cap member 196. A closure plate 200 is located at the bottom of chamber 192, and a drain plug 202 is provided for use if it becomes necessary to drain the hydraulic fluid from chamber 192. The hydraulic reservoir provides a large radiant area per gallon of fluid contained, so that under normal operating conditions no coolers or extra oil capacity is required. The only maintenance necessary is a yearly change of hydraulic fluid.

By incorporating the reservoir for the hydraulic operating system in the structure of the movable carriage 20, a mobile vehicle washing unit has been constructed wherein the entire hydraulic operating system is integral, and movable with, the carriage 20. The only outside connection required is an electrical line leading to motor for driving pump 188, in addition to the previously stated water source. Therefore, the present structure eliminates the need for establishing a source of hydraulic pressure in a remote area and furnishing various and cumbersome conduits to carry this pressurized fluid to the moving washing apparatus. Also, since shorter fluid conduits are used in my invention compared to remote hydraulic pressure sources, there is less drop in line pressure in the system, which results in greater operating efiiciency and less cost.

An alternate embodiment of my invention provides a unit which is particularly adapted to clean taller vehicles, such as vans or other vehicles which have relatively high vertical sides. This embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, and differs from the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4 by incorporating a pair of oppositely rotating horizontal window brushes 210, 212 on each side of the vehicle. While FIG. 9 only shows one such pair of window brushes, it is understood that this alternate embodiment also includes a similar pair of brushes symmetrically disposed on the other side of the van 214. Like numerals are used to indicate identical structures illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4.

The embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 comprises two horizontally mounted rotatable brush elements 210, 212 supported on opposite sides of window brush arm 160, and having their. central axes separated from each other by a distance slightly greater than the extended radius of one of the brushes. This prevents one brush from coming into contact with the drive means for the other brush. The drive means for each brush consists of hydraulic motors 216 and 218 driven by a suitable source of hydraulic pressure. Each hydraulic motor is connected to arm 161) and to central shafts 228 and 222 of window brushes 210 and 212 respectively. In this embodiment, the lower brush 212 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 9, while the upper brush 210 rotates in a clockwise direction when similarly viewed. The direction of rotation of brushes 210, 212 does not change during the rearward and frontward pass of carriage along vehicle 214, so there is no need to provide reversible power units.

As seen in FIG. 9, the two counter-rotating brushes provide a means for thoroughly cleaning the vertical portions of vans and other vehicles which are higher than normal passenger automobiles. However, due to the overlap of the two brushes, a normal passenger car or sedan may also be'efficiently washed by a vehicle washing unit corresponding to the alternative embodiment, whereby the'upper window brush 210 will extend over and wash a portion of the roof of the vehicle. Window brushes 210 and 212 operate in tandem, and overlap portions of those areas cleaned by the top and side brushes. Brushes 2111 and 212 also clean shelf areas most frequently missed by conventional units.

The electrical circuit which provides automatic control for the entire operation of the present vehicle washing apparatus is disclosed in FIG. 14. The circuit includes a rotary step switch 380 having at least fifteen successive rotative positions and a plurality of cam acv tuated switches SS1-SS12 which establish the program for the washing apparatus of my invention. When closed, each cam operated switch actuates an operating solenoid, which in turn, initiates a function in the wash cycle. Each rotary position of step switch 300 closes one or a plurality of cam operated switches to activate one or a plurality of operating solenoids.

Switch SS 2 controls solenoid SOL 1, which, when activated in the clsoed position of switch SS 2, transfers pressurized hydraulic fluid from pump 188 to motors 94 to rotate side brushes 76, 78 in a rearward direction, i.e., tending to move the brushes from the front to the rear of vehicle 36 due to friction. When switch SS 2 is open, solenoid SOL 1 is in its deactuated position, whereby hydraulic fluid from pump 188 is transmitted through a reversing valve to motors 94 to drive side brushes 76, 78 in a forward direction, i.e. tending to move the brushes from the rear to the front of vehicle 36 due to friction. Switch SS 3 controls solenoid SOL 2 which, when activated, causes hydraulic fluid to flow from pump 188 to cylinders 96, 98 causing opposed side brushes 76, 78 to move laterally towards the center of the apparatus. Switch SS 4 controls solenoid SOL 3, which, when energized transmits hydraulic fluid from pump 188 to one side of cylinders 178 and 132, which moves window brushes 158 out and top brush 106 up to retract these brushes from contact with the vehicle surfaces. Switch SS 5 controls solenoid SOL 4 which, when activated, transmits hydraulic fluid from pump 188 to the opposite sides of cylinders 170 and 132, causing window brushes 158 and top brush 196 to move in and down respectively, and into contact with the vehicle surfaces.

Switch SS 6 controls solenoid SOL 5 which rotates window brushes 158, top brush 106 and moves carriage 28 from the rear to the front of thevehicle by supplying hydraulic fluid to motors 168, 111 and 32, respectively, and into contact with the vehicle surfaces.

Switch SS 7 controls solenoid SOL 6 which supplies hydraulic fluid from pump 188 to the opposite sides of motors 168, 111 and 32, causing the window brushes 158 and top brush 106 to rotate in the opposite direction, and carriage 20 to travel from the front to the rear of vehicle 36. Switch SS 8 controls solenoid SOL 7, which is disposed in washing fluid manifold 182 and functions to induce detergent into the wash water flowing to inverted U-shaped pipe 172. Switch SS 9 controls solenoid SOL 8, which is also disposed in manifold 182 and functions to induce a wax solution to flow through pipe 172 and rinse water through pipe 174. Switch SS 18 controls the transmission of electric energy to hydraulic pump motor 190, and switch SS 11 controls a stop light on carriage 20 which advises the driver of vehicle 36 that he has reached the proper position in the washing facility. Switch SS 12 controls a go light which advises the driver to advance his vehicle to start the wash cycle.

Step switch position 1 controls a reset circuit comprising reset switch PB 1 and home sensing switch 251 (FIG. 5).

The control circuit of FIG. 14 also includes rotary switch 386 which is connected for rotation with the center shaft of step switch 300, and has 15 cam actuated switch positions RS 1 through RS 15. Step switch 388 will also have 15 positions. As will be described herein, rotary switches RS 1 through RS 15 are serially connected to the various sensing switches located throughout the washing apparatus. The combination of a closed rotary switch and a closed sensing switch will actuate stepping motor 304 and index step switch 300 forward to its next sequential position.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, rotary switch RS 1 controls sensing switch CB which is closed when the proper amount of coins are deposited in a receiving box located at the entrance to the washing facility. If desired, switch CB may be operated by a push button if the washing facility is installed in a service capacity such as in a car rental agency or car dealership. Rotary switch RS 2 controls sensing switch TD, which is closed when the vehicle 36 moves forward from the coin box or push button and alights on a treadle placed ahead of the washing facility to indicate that vehicle 36 has been properly positioned. Rotary switches RS 4 and RS 9, connected in parallel, control sensing switch 232 (FIG. 6), which is responsive to the tilt of side brushes 76, 78 in a longitudinal direction, that is, the direction in which the carriage 28 moves rearwardly and forwardly over tracks 22. Rotary switches RS 3 and RS 12, also connected in parallel, control switches 242(a) and (c) one located on the passenger side and the other located on the driver side of carriage 28 (FIG. 6) which are closed when side brushes 76, 78 have moved towards each other near the center line of carriage 20.

Rotary switches RS 6, RS 11, and RS 14 are connected in parallel and control switches 242(b) and (d), which close when side brushes 76, 78 are in a retracted or out position. Rotary switch RS 7 controls switch 250 (FIG. 8) which is closed when top brush 106 is in a down position below its uppermost limit of vertical travel. Rotary switch RS 7 and switch 250 are connected in series with the side brush in switches 242(a) and (c) for a purpose to be explained. Rotary switch RS 15 controls home sensing means 251 (FIG. while rotary switches RS 8, RS 10, RS 13 and RS 5 are connected in parallel to time delay relay switch TR. It is apparent that the sensing switches will not activate stepping motor 304 to rotate step switch 300 to initiate a new series of functions upon the completion of each phase of the wash cycle unless the proper rotary switch is closed, allowing the sensing switch to complete the circuit to solenoid 304. The rotary switch, therefore, functions as a sequencing means which ensures that each following series of functions is properly performed in the proper order.

Other elements of the electrical control circuit of my invention include an entrance switch 308, a circuit breaker 310, and a transformer 312 to reduce the incoming 220/440 voltage to approximately 24 volts for all internal control lines. Motor 190 is shown as a threephase motor connected to the 220/440 volt line ahead of transformer 312. By providing solenoid valves for the hydraulic wash fluid circuits which operate on 24 volts, my invention provides a degree of safety not found in many competitive units.

The operation of the rollover vehicle washing apparatus which is the subject of my present invention involves the application of several novel features not found in known vehicle washing units. These featurea will be best understood by referring to the following description of the operation of the embodiment of my invention which comprises the five-brush unit illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4. The sequence of operations in a complete wash cycle is demonstrated by the chart of FIG. 15.

The vehicle to be washed is driven into place with its forward end facing the front of the car wash assembly and carriage 20, which is in its home or off position ahead of the vehicle after having completed the previous wash cycle. The front of the unit is the side facing left in FIG. 2. At this point, all switches controlled by step switch 300 are open. Sensing switch 251 (FIG. 5) is closed, and rotary switch RS 1 is closed, activating the coin box switch CB circuit for sequential operation. A coin box containing switch CB is located in the washing installation adjacent the window on the drivers side of the vehicle as he approaches the washing unit. By placing the proper amount of coins in the box, the driver closes switch CB, which completes the electrical circuit through rotary switch RS 1 and energizes stepping motor 304, thereby indexing step switch 300 one position forward. In this position of step switch 300, reset circuit switch SS 1 (FIG. 14) is closed, and it remains closed until the side brushes 76, 78 swing outward to their retracted position at the end of the wash cycle, as will be explained. Step switch SS 12 also closes, turning on green light G which advises the driver to advance his vehicle forward towards carriage 20. Rotary switch 306 is also indexed one step forward by stepping motor 304, closing switch RS 2 and thereby activating the treadle switch TD circuit for sequential operation.

As the driver moves the vehicle forward, a front wheel depresses a treadle (not shown) which closes treadle switch TD, completing the circuit through rotary switch RS 2, energizing stepping motor 304, and advancing step switch 306 to its next position. In this condition of the step switch, switches SS 3, SS 4, SS 7, SS and SS 11 are closed. Switch SS 3 activates solenoid SOL 2, which permits hydraulic fluid to pass from pump 188 to cylinders 96, 98 as switch SS 10 activates hydraulic pump motor 190. The hydraulic fluid transmitted to cylinders 96, 98 causes side brushes 76, 78 to move laterally toward each other, while at the same time, fluid supplied to motors 94 rotates side brushes 76, 78 in a forward" direction. Switch SS 4 energizes solenoid SOL 3, which causes hydraulic fluid to flow from pump 188 to cylinders 132, 170, causing top brush 106 to be lifted vertically upward, and window brushes 158 to be retracted outwardly. Switch SS 7 energizes solenoid SOL 6, causing detergent to mix with the water flowing through manifold 182 and into pipe 172 (FIG 1). Also, switch SS 11 energizes red stop light R, which indicates to the driver that he should advance his vehicle no further. At this point, green go" light G switch SS 12 has been disconnected. As step switch 300 was previously advanced upon actuation of treadle switch TD, rotary switch 306 was also indexed one position forward by stepping motor 304, closing rotary switch RS 3 and thereby activating side brush in circuit switches 242(a) and 242(0) for sequential operation. Switches SS 10 and SS 11 remained closed during the complete wash cycle to provide a constant source of fluid pressure from pump 188, and to keep the red stop light R lit.

In FIG. 7, side brush arms 84 and 86 are illustrated in their full downward position (a), and in phantom in their full outward position (b) wherein the brushes 76, 78 are extended away from contact with the vehicle; and in the wash position (0) which is the position the arms obtain when the brushes 76, 78 are in engagement with the side vertical surfaces of the vehicle. Each of the side brush arms 84, 86 comprises cam members 236 and 236 which, upon movement of arms 84 and 86, activate switch operating lever 240 which is connected to switch 242. Switch 242 is a multi-position switch, duplicated on both the left and right sides of the machine wherein contacts 242(a) on the left side and 242(a) on the right side (FIG. 14) are closed when side brush arms 84, 86 are inwardly disposed in position (a) of FIG. 7, and contacts 242(b) on the left side and 242(d) on the right side are closed when the side brush arms are in position (b) of FIG. 7.

As side brushes 76, 78 move towards each other under the influence of cylinders 96, 98 in a direction transverse to the direction of travel to carriage 20, switches 242(a) (drivers side) and 242(0) (passenger side) are closed, completing a circuit through rotary switch RS 3, energizing solenoid 304 and advancing step switch 300 one step forward. In this position, step switches SS 3, SS 4, SS 7, SS 10 and SS 11 remain closed, thereby retaining side brushes 76, 78 in a central position and disposed toward each other ahead of the vehicle 36. Also, over-head brush 106 and window brushes 158 remain retracted, and a detergent solution continues to flow through pipe 172. With the closing of switch SS 7, solenoid SOL 6 is energized, which transmits hydraulic fluid from pump 188 to motors 111 and 168, thereby rotating top brush 106 and side brushes 158 in a forward direction while these brushes are retained in a retracted position. Fluid from pump 188 is also transmitted via solenoid SOL 6 to motors 32, which drives wheels 24 and causes carriage 20 to move rearwardly and towards the front of vehicle 36. By the rotation of step switch 300, rotary switch 306 was also indexed one position forward, closing rotary switch RS 4 and thereby activating side brush tilt" circuit switch 232 for sequential operation.

As carriage 20 travels rearwardly and reaches vehicle 36, side brushes 76, 78 contact the front of the vehicle and tilt forwardly, or in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of carriage 20. Referring to FIG. 6, arms 84, 86 and bracket 80 tilt about pivot pins 82, and brushes 76 and 78 move forward in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of carriage 20. A flanged extension 220 is affixe for pivotal rotation with bracket 80. A switch cam bracket member 222 is attached for movement with flange 220. Adjustable switch cams 224 are held by bracket 222, and each cam member is designed to engage follower 226 attached to switch lever operator 228. Switch lever operator 228 is in turn affixed to switch operator 230 inside of switch 232. As the bracket 80 pivots about pins 82, flange 220 and bracket 222 move upward or downward, and cam members 224 engage follower 226 to move lever 228 upwards or downwards.

The tilting movement of the side brushes, therefore, closes switch 232 (FIG. 6), completing a circuit through rotary switch RS 4, energizing step motor 304 and advancing step switch 300 one position forward. In this mode, step switches SS 3 and SS 4 remain closed, retaining the side brushes 76, 78 in their inward position adjacent each other while the window and top brushes remain retracted. Switch SS 8 and solenoid SOL 7 remain closed, permitting detergent to mix with the water flowing through pipe 172. Step switch SS 2 is also closed, causing solenoid SOL 1 to reverse the flow of hydraulic fluid through motors 94, thereby reversing the direction of rotation of side brushes 76, 78. The side brushes now rotate in a rearward direction, that is, the frictional engagement of the brushes with the vehicle tends to move the brushes 76, 78 towards the outer sides and rear of the vehicle. In this position of step switch 300, switch SS 7 is opened, thereby interrupting the flow of electrical current to solenoid SOL 6, which in turn shuts off the supply of hydraulic fluid to motors 32 and stops the rearward movement of carriage 20 adjacent the front of vehicle 36. Therefore, it is apparent that the carriage 20 of the present invention is stopped by means responsive to physically sensing the position of the front end of vehicle 36.

In this above-identified position, step switch 300 has moved rotary switch 306 one position forward so that switch RS is closed, which is connected in series with time delay switch TR. After the termination of an adjustable time delay period, switch TR closes, and stepping motor 304 is activated, advancing step switch 300 another position forward. Switches SS 2, SS 4, and SS 8 remain closed, whereby side brushes 76, 78 continue to rotate rearwardly" while the window and side brushes remain retracted and detergent continues to mix with the water in pipe 1172. In this position of step switch 300, switch SS 3 is opened and solenoid SOL 2 is de-energized, whereby hydraulic fluid flows to the opposite or piston rod sides of cylinders 96, 98 causing side brushes 76, 78 to move laterally away from each other and across the front of vehicle 36. With carriage in a stationary position, the side brushes clean the grille, front bumper and lights as saponated liquid is dispensed through the spray nozzles located along pipe 172. Further, step switch 300 has also moved rotary switch one position forward whereby switch RS 6 is now closed, sequencing side brush out switches 242(b) and 242(d) for operation.

When the side brushes 76, 78 reach approximately the full outward limit of their travel, side brush out switches 242(1)) and 242(d) are closed, and a circuit is completed through switch RS 6 to stepping motor 304, which is energized and advances step switch 300 one step forward. Switches SS 2 and SS 8 remain closed, whereby side brushes 76, 78 continue to rotate rearwardly and saponated liquid continues to flow through pipe 174. Switch SS 4 is opened, de-energizing solenoid SOL 4 which transmits hydraulic fluid to the piston side of cylinders ll and 132, which in turn moves window brushes 158 inward and moves top brush 106 downward into contact with vehicle 36. Simultaneously, switch SS 7 is closed energizing solenoid SOL 6 which causes hydraulic fluid to flow to motors 168, ill, and 32, rotating side brushes 158, top brush 106, and continuing rearward movement of carriage 20 along vehicle 36. As carriage 20 moves rearwardly, all brushes rotate and are in contact with the vehicle. Top brush 106 first lowers to the top of the grille, and then moves across the hood, roof and trunk deck of the vehicle. Saponated liquid issues from pipe 172 and is deposited on vehicle 36, and acts as a cleansing agent and lubricant, whereby the rotating brushes clean the vehicle as they come into contact with the vehicle surfaces. The side brushes 76, 78 wash the vertical surfaces of the vehicle below the window sill line, while the horizontally mounted window brushes 1158 clean the vertical portions of the vehicle between the lower window sill and the roof of the vehicle. Step switch 300 has also positioned rotary switch 306 into position to close switch RS 7.

Means are provided for indicating whether the overhead brush has remained on the roof of the vehicle, or whether it has lowered to come into contact with the rear trunk deck of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 8, a switch 250 is attached to beam member 119, and includes a cam follower operator 252 which engages cam 254. Cam 254 is in turn rigidly attached to shaft 121 which rotates as horizontal brush 106 moves upward and downward in substantially a vertical direction. Switch 250 is a two position switch and assumes an open position when the overhead brush 106 is raised or is in scrubbing contact with the roof of the vehicle to be washed. The switch 250 assumes a closed position when the brush 1106 lowers to a point below the upper limit of its vertical disposition, and in particularly reaches a closed position when overhead brush 106 is in scrubbing contact with the hood or the rear trunk deck of the vehicle to be washed.

When carriage 20 advances rearwardly to a point somewhat adjacent the rear of vehicle 36, side brushes 76, 78 due to the force of gravity acting upon the weight of the side brushes and their suspension systems, sense the end of the vehicle by moving inward in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of carriage 20. This inward movement of brushes 76, 78 closes switches 242(a) and 242 (0). Assuming vehicle 36 is a sedan, top brush 106, has passed from the roof of the vehicle and now is in a lower position in contact with the trunk lid of the vehicle. In lowered position, top brush 106 has closed switch 250 (FIG. 8), which is closed when side brushes 76, 78 sense the end of vehicle 36. Referring to FIG. 14, it will be appreciated that switches RS 7, 250, 242(a) and 242(0) are connected 

1. In a vehicle washing apparatus having brushes for scrubbing a vehicle to be washed in accordance with a washing cycle including side brushes for scrubbing sides of said vehicle and an overhead brush for scrubbing a top of said vehicle, a system comprising: first hydraulic means for rotating said side brushes to scrub the vehicle to be washed, said first hydraulic means being selectively operable in accordance with said washing cycle; second hydraulic means for rotating said overhead brush to scrub the vehicle to be washed, said second hydraulic means being selectively operable in accordance with said washing cycle; third hydraulic means for retracting said side brushes outward from the sides of said vehicle to be washed; and fourth hydraulic means for positioning said overhead brush with respect to the top of said vehicle to be washed; said fourth hydraulic means including hydraulic cylinder means for applying to said overhead brush a first force of a given magnitude to raise said overhead brush and a second force to lower said overhead brush, said second force having a magnitude reduced from the magnitude of said first force.
 2. In a vehicle washing apparatus in accordance with claim 1 the system further comprising: valve means coupled to said hydraulic cylinder means for holding said overhead brush in a raised position, said valve means being operable to permit further raising of said overhead brush.
 3. In a vehicle washing apparatus in accordance with claim 2 the system further comprising: control means for altering said valve means to allow said hydraulic cylinder to be operable in both raising and lowering said overhead brush.
 4. In A vehicle washing apparatus having brushes for scrubbing a vehicle to be washed in accordance with a washing cycle including side brushes for scrubbing sides of said vehicle and an overhead brush for scrubbing a top of said vehicle, a system comprising: first hydraulic means for rotating said side brushes to scrub the vehicle to be washed, said first hydraulic means being selectively operable in accordance with said washing cycle; second hydraulic means for rotating said overhead brush to scrub the vehicle to be washed, said second hydraulic means being selectively operable in accordance with said washing cycle; third hydraulic means for retracting said side brushes outward from the sides of said vehicle to be washed; fourth hydraulic means for positioning said overhead brush with respect to the top of said vehicle to be washed; hydraulic motor means for moving said vehicle washing apparatus along the vehicle to be washed; and means for limiting the pressure of hydraulic fluid applied to said hydraulic motor means during starting.
 5. In a vehicle washing apparatus in accordance with claim 4 the system wherein said limiting means comprises a relief valve coupled in bypass relationship with said hydraulic motor means.
 6. In a vehicle washing apparatus having brushes for scrubbing a vehicle to be washed in accordance with a washing cycle including side brushes for scrubbing sides of said vehicle and an overhead brush for scrubbing a top of said vehicle, a system comprising: first hydraulic means for rotating said side brushes to scrub the vehicle to be washed, said first hydraulic means being selectively operable in accordance with said washing cycle; second hydraulic means for rotating said overhead brush to scrub the vehicle to be washed, said second hydraulic means being selectively operable in accordance with said washing cycle; third hydraulic means for retracting said side brushes outward from the sides of said vehicle to be washed; fourth hydraulic means for positioning of said overhead brush with respect to the top of said vehicle to be washed; hydraulic motor means for moving said vehicle washing apparatus along the vehicle to be washed, said hydraulic motor means being reversible in response to a reversing flow of hydraulic fluid directed thereto; and control valve means for receiving said reversing fluid flow and providing an output fluid flow in a single direction, said output fluid flow being operative to cause said first hydraulic means to rotate at least one of said side brushes. 